Ever asked the question, “Why me?” or “Why is this happening to me?” So many times, we ask this question when we want answers to our problems, to disasters, or chaos around us.
When something bad or difficult comes into my life, it feels like I am stuck in time – the world is whizzing past me, like nothing is out of the ordinary – yet, I’m at a standstill. I can’t escape this cage of darkness, this heavy sadness, anger, and worry that consumes my very being.
This cage is depression.
I am no doctor, but I have experienced depression various times in my life. My current season of it has been the worst I have ever faced. Since my youngest child was born, I have been struggling to live my life. It takes all of my energy to simply get out of bed in the morning.
Yes, I am seeking help, for those who are concerned, but God is my greatest help, my most loyal advocate.
22 Cast your burden on the LORD,
Psalm 55:22 ESV
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
When I feel stuck and the muck and mire of the depression darkness, God loves me still. He is the gentle nudge to get out of bed. He is the encouraging voice saying, “No, you can do it. Just try!” He is the comforting Father I need, to look out for me, when everyone else in my life seems to be too busy to notice.
Though I do have people who notice and love me, God is the only one who is truly there for me whenever and wherever I need Him; the only one who can be.
I encourage you today, if you can relate to what I am describing, cry out to God, with all the muster you have left – He will pull you through to the end of the tunnel.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:6–11 ESV